SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Reconciliation / First Eucharist Preparation(2 year program)

Who: 1st – 11th grade students

Where: Church of the Holy Spirit Parish

When: Depending on the program they are registered in (Elementary thru High School), students will attend regular classes, and they will also have to complete the Sacramental component throughout the year. Our program begins in the fall, late August and runs through May . (Calendar of dates will be provided)

Class sessions: Students are expected to participate and complete all requirements of the Religious Ed. program. Students are allowed up to 3 excused absences and are responsible for making up missed assignments/homework. Students & parents are encouraged to participate fully in the process of the faith formation, attend Sunday Mass

First year of formation prepares the student for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Second year of formation continues to prepare the child for the Sacrament of First Eucharist or Holy Communion.Parent Enrichment Sessions: Parents will attend a gathering that will assist them in supporting their child through the process of formation prior to receiving the Sacrament. The parent will receive a Sacrament book (other than the child’s Religious Ed. book) and will work with their child and return the completed books on the date specified toward the end of the year. This book focuses specifically on the Sacrament that the child is preparing to receive: Reconciliation or 1st Eucharist. The books are adapted to the child’s age and grade level.Liturgical opportunities: Students will be asked to participate in Masses, Stations of the Cross, and various events in the life of the parish. These will be done along with their class in order to instill and develop community spirit.

Ministry Fair: Students in Jr. High and High School will be introduced to the various ministries and leaders that are active in our parish. This will help the students to identify their gifts & talents, and develop team-building skills.Service: Students in Jr. High and High School will be asked to participate in a special service project with their class which benefits the wider faith community.

Components of the programClass sessions: Students are expected to participate and complete all required components of the Confirmation program. Students are allowed up to 3 excused absences and are responsible for making up missed assignments/homework.

Parent and Teen Interviews: Parents and students will sign-up for an interview during which time they will receive more information regarding the specifics of the program, as well as meet the Confirmation Team.

Day of Renewal: is a mandatory Opening Day of Reflection in which the students will participate in activities, and have an opportunity to get to know their fellow peers. The afternoon will end with a prayer service.

Liturgical opportunities: Students will be asked to participate in Masses, Stations of the Cross, and various events in the life of the parish. These will be done along with their class in order to instill and develop community spirit.

Ministry Fair: Students will be introduced to the various ministries and leaders that are active in our parish. The students will be able to sign-up for any of these ministries. This Ministry Fair, along with fulfilling community service hours, helps the students to identify their gifts & talents, and to develop team-building, trust-building, and faith-building skills.

Retreat: Students participate in a mandatory one-day retreat at the parish. The retreat is planned and presented by the Confirmation Team. The retreat will end with the students & parents attending Mass.

Service: Students are required to complete 40 service hours throughout 2-year program (20 hours per year) which include but are not limited to individual service for the parish; a service project with their class, and larger service projects with the whole Confirmation Program, which benefits the wider community.(The students will be asked to participate in community service projects both on-site & off-site and permission slips will be sent home well in advance.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Religious Ed. office at 847-882-7584 or send us an E-mail.